Sports training device

ABSTRACT

The invention generally relates an athletic training device comprised of a support structure having a front side and a back side. Where the two sides are generally interchangeable. The invention is formed by removably fitting rigidity elements together through connectors or connecting means to form a support structure that is designed to be held by at least one user in a plurality of positions. The support structure made be made be comprised of removable elements or be of a unitary construction, and may contain at least one hollow element.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to sports equipment, in particular to an exercise device for athletes training to become proficient in American Football. The apparatus that represents the invention also relates in general to devices that are designed to train a specific groups of muscles to perform in a particular way, while maintaining proper balance and posture. The apparatus can also be used as a teaching mechanism to demonstrate proper hand placement during particular instances of play or for various exercises. The apparatus of the invention also relates to training devices designed to stretch muscles and improve their flexibility, and a means to rehabilitate injured muscles and joints

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

To become proficient in a sporting activity, one needs a lot of practice and conditioning. To excel in a team sport, one needs a lot more than just fitness and knowledge of the game. To reach the next level when training to compete in a team sport, athletes utilize a myriad of different strength and skill building devices. American Football, or the close kin to it, the Rugby, are no different, with hundreds of devices devoted with training athletes to excel in nearly all facets of the game.

Existing training equipment focuses on building strength and agility of players. Upon review of the present day football training equipment, one can help but notice the emphasis on body protection, strength and speed. Theoretical skills, such as playmaking strategy, are taught through instruction, intensive practice and audio visual tools. Given the importance of the physical part of the sport, the bias observed in existing training equipment is obvious, necessary and not overrated. However, very little emphasis is given to more subtle, but crucial components of the game, such as good body positioning immediately before the start of a particular play or proper balance during play. Experienced and skilled athletes and trainers have concluded that proper hand placement at the offensive line immediately before play helps a player gain and maintain momentum as soon as the play begins. It also helps reduce premature start or “offsides” penalties by giving players more control of their movements.

The present state of the art provides one set of training equipment for offense and another set for defense. While some elements of the equipment overlap the two functions, the majority of the sports functions are served using equipment designed for that particular function, which requires a club to purchase a lot of training equipment to focus on a handful of strength and skills exercises Furthermore, existing devices are often large, clunky and expensive, and only properly funded sports clubs can afford the high cost of this equipment.

On the contrary, the present invention seeks to provide the most training benefit and highest effectiveness for the lowest cost. Given the variable size of the device embodied in the present invention, participants in the sport can easily transport the device and utilize it for multitude of activities, anything from light warmups to intensive training sessions. The device can be used to train proper offensive line positioning, proper balance, blocking and rushing. Besides all this, the device can be used to build blocking strength and endurance in a more natural setting then the existing equipment, namely by using two actual players engaged in an offensive line confrontation. At the same time, the device reduces the likelihood of an injury occurring during such training by eliminating actual physical contact and placing a small but solid barrier between two players. On top of this the device is also easily adaptable to difference sizes and strength limits of the athletes using the device, thus avoiding costly equipment upgrades that accompany a growing athlete.

The device embodied in the present invention is also well suited for muscle tuning and rehabilitation exercises, as will be described further on. The device's compact size and capability to change shapes and adjust weight, make is useful in a plurality of exercise routines.

Therefore, this novel and non-obvious training device offers many new benefits to athletes that were previously poorly served by devices present in the art. Even though the market seems to be saturated with a plethora of football training equipment, the device embodied by the present invention easily stands out of the pack by offering significant benefits and none of the shortcomings of the existing equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

U.S. Pat. No. 7,070,521 discloses a device which is utilized during practice or other informal situation to teach a football player such as a quarterback or kicker to deliver a football around or over one or preferably a group of linemen. In one embodiment, the device includes a mechanism capable of moving at least one figure, simulative of a human athlete, from an inactive position to an active position which is adapted to mimic predetermined characteristics of a defensive line.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,585 Shows a football training sled for improving players blocking skills has an elongated main frame in the shape of a pan with a flat bottom and a tipped up rear end. A dummy module is secured to the front end of the main frame and a single wheel is mounted rearwardly of the front end and midway between the laterally opposite sides of the main frame. When a player strikes and raises the dummy of the dummy module, the front end of the sled is raised so as to be supported on its wheel as the player drives the sled rearwardly. Wings may be provided on the main frame to prevent the sled from being tipped over sideways. In a second embodiment of the invention two dummy modules are supported on the front of the main frame of the sled and a football position device is used to simulate the snap of a football.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,414 discloses an exercise, diagnostic and training device and method for football players, sports players and the general public, comprising a generally elliptically-shaped peripheral member, a support member, a second support member, a gripping member, and a plurality of body engagement ribs, all generally cylindrical in cross-section and having protective cushioning.

Various implements are known in the art, but fail to address all of the problems solved by the invention described herein. One embodiment of this invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings and will be described in more detail herein below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates an athletic training device comprised of a support structure having a front side and a back side. Where the two sides are generally interchangeable. The invention is formed by removably fitting rigidity elements together through connectors or connecting means to form a support structure that is designed to be held by at least one user in a plurality of positions. The support structure made be out of removable elements or be of a unitary construction, and may contain at least one hollow element.

It is an object of the present invention to create a novel American football or rugby training device.

It is an object of the present invention to create a training devices that educates athletes in skills and importance of proper balance and hand positioning.

It is another object of the present invention to create a device that can be adaptable to different users by employing weight and size variation configurations.

It is another object of the present invention to form a cushioned training device, where the cushioning may be added to the device.

It is yet another object of the present invention to create an exercise equipment to assist with stretching of muscle groups before undertaking physical activity.

It is yet another object of the present invention to create a training device that is easily transportable by players from place to place.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a training device for rehabilitation of injured muscles and joints.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is the front view of the present invention

FIG. 2 is the front view of the present invention demonstrating an alternative configuration

FIG. 3 is the front view of the present invention demonstrating an alternative configuration.

FIG. 4 is diagram of the invention having a fill spout

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a cross sectional view of the present invention showing filling material.

FIG. 6B is a top cross sectional view of the present invention.

FIGS. 6C-6E are embodiments showing different angles of the present invention as a single piece construction.

FIG. 7 is perspective view of the present invention encased within soft or padded hand protector sleeve.

FIG. 8 demonstrates one application of the present invention, with users practicing an offensive line faceoff.

FIG. 9 is a crouching player in the offensive line stance but with device in photo 6 being underneath his hands.

FIG. 10 is a method diagram of a method that is enabled using the device embodied by the present invention.

FIG. 11 is another method diagram of a method that is enabled using the device embodied by the present invention.

FIGS. 12A and 12B describe additional exercise methods that implement the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the figures illustrate a training device that can be used for hand placement exercises, balance exercises, as well as exercises directed toward the stretching and toning of specific muscle groups. Shown in FIG. 1 is the preferred embodiment of the athletic training device, having a support structure 10, a front side 20, and rigidity elements 40 that make up the vertical members 90 and the horizontal members 100.

There needs to be a minimum of one horizontal member 100 and two vertical members 90. However, for optimal use of the present invention, the support structure 10 should contain a lattice formed from two substantially parallel horizontal members 100, with at least four vertical members 90 forming rungs between the parallel horizontal members 100. The horizontal and vertical members 100 and 90 may be further comprised of individual rigidity elements 40, such as the spans 41 and joints 42. However, as shown in FIGS. 6C-6E, the support structure 10 can be made from one piece of uninterrupted material shaped into horizontal and vertical members 100 and 90.

The rigidity elements 40 are shown as an amalgamation of spans 41 and connectors 42. The length of the spans 41 may vary depending on its position in the support structure 10. For example, in FIG. 1, spans 41A form the end of the horizontal member 100, while span 41B forms the middle section or sections of the horizontal member 100. The span 41C forms the vertical member 90. This configuration is of course demonstrative to this particular embodiment of the present invention, with many feasible alternative configurations. It is possible, for example, for the spans 41 to be entirely uniform and equal length. As demonstrated in FIGS. 6C-6E, the support structure 10 may also be molded or machined into a solid or uniform bar not having detachable elements.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the spans 41 fit within connectors 42. The connectors may be T-connectors, L-connectors, X-connectors, straight connectors and terminus connectors. The L-connector 42A is shown connecting span 41A to the span 41C. The T-connector 42B is shown connecting span 41A in line with span 41B, and perpendicular to span 41C. One example of an X-connector can be visualized if viewing the middle horizontal member 100C shown in FIG. 3 and extending this horizontal member 100C to the left most and right most spans 41C. The resulting connectors 42M would necessarily be X or plus connectors. A straight connector would used to connect two spans 41 in a single line and the terminus connector is used to cover or seal off an open end of a last rigidity element 40 connected in line (straight and terminus connector not shown). An example of a terminus connector would be the cap 50 (FIG. 4).

The number of horizontal members 100 or vertical members 90 may be varied by the user or determined by the application of the device. For example, referring to FIG. 2, certain exercises would call for the removal of any interior vertical members 92, or for altering the number of interior vertical members 92 from two to one, or on the contrary, adding additional interior vertical members 92, as shown. Similarly, referring to FIG. 3, the number of horizontal members 100 may also be varied depending on the application of the device embodied by the present invention.

While it is preferred that the horizontal members 100 are oriented perpendicularly with respect to vertical members 90, it may nevertheless be necessary or desirable to alter the angle 160 to a different degree based on intended application. Therefore, while the diagramed embodiment demonstrates primarily right angles, the inventive concept includes devices where the angles 160 may be sharper or more obtuse. It will be appreciated by the one skilled in the art that the horizontal member 100 need not necessarily always be horizontal and that the vertical members 90 need not always be vertical. In some cases users may rotate the device clockwise or counterclockwise on a virtual axle going through any of the interior vertical members 92 and perpendicular to the horizontal members 100, such that horizontal members may now function as vertical members. It is also appreciated by one skilled in the art that the device shown in FIGS. 1-9 need not be rectangular but may also take on elliptical or trapezoidal forms. One or more of the devices embodied in the present invention may be connected together with spans 41 to form a cuboid or a parallelogram. The device may also be substantially elliptical, or may be converted from straight spans 41 and angular connectors 42 to using elliptical alternatives for any of the spans or connectors, thereby altering the diametric shape based on the application of the device.

For most embodiments of the present invention, it is preferable that all or some of the rigidity elements 40 are substantially hollow. Therefore, alteration of the structure or of the configuration of the rigidity elements needs to be performed in a way that keeps the support structure watertight, and perhaps even airtight. Meaning, that the removal of any undesired spans 41 that were connecting to any of the connectors 42A-C will not leave a connector that is open or not connected to any another component, the non-connected end thus forming an unsealed opening in the support structure 10. In a device containing a filling material 60 (FIG. 6A), an uncapped connection would result in a breach of the hermetic nature of the support structure 10 and would cause the filler 60 to drain out of the device 10. Therefore, the removal of any of the rigidity elements 40 is preferably accompanied by changing the L connector 42A or the T connector 42B, with a different connector that would seal the breach. For example replacing the X connectors (not shown) with T connectors 42B, or replacing the T connectors 42B with a straight connector (not shown). The angles 160 of the connectors with respect to each other form a ninety degree angle in the figures. However the orientation of any of the rigidity elements 40 may be altered from substantially vertical or horizontal to one that is substantially diagonal. It needs to be noted that the horizontal members 100 and vertical members 90 represent a references intended for properly describe the figures, and each component may function as either a vertical or a horizontal member depending on the orientation of the support structure 10. One or more of the devices embodied in the present invention may be connected together with spans 41 to form a cuboid or a parallelogram. The device may also be substantially elliptical, or may be converted from level spans 41 and angular connectors 42 to using elliptical or curved alternatives for any of the spans or connectors, thus altering the diametric shape based on the application of the device. In another alternative, to create a more flush and even appearance the support structure 10, the spans 41 can be connected to each other, or contain a flange of a smaller diameter than the span itself, thus having the ability to be inserted into the cavity 45 (FIG. 5) of an adjacent span 41.

FIGS. 2 and 3 demonstrate some of the alternative configurations of the support structure 10 feasible with the present invention. FIG. 2 shows additional interior vertical rigidity elements 92, while FIG. 3 demonstrates additional horizontal element 100C. The additional rigidity elements 40 can be added or removed, depending on user preference.

FIG. 4 shows a resealable outlet 50. The resealable outlet 50 is used to fill the support structure 10 with a filling material 60 (FIG. 6). The introduction of the filling material 60 into the support structure 10 is possible because some or all of the rigidity elements 40 are substantially hollow. The removable cap 51 is held hermetically in place with a threaded or snapped connection. A drain outlet, if present, would preferably be present in a section of the support structure 20 that is diagonally opposite the resealable outlet 50, such as the diagonally opposite location 53. Alternatively, the resealable outlet 50 can be used as a drain outlet. The resealable outlet 50 is shown in the corner 52, but may be placed at any part along the top horizontal element 100T.

FIG. 5 shows the exploded view of the present invention. The connection joints 44 are preferably uniform throughout the support structure 10. This uniformity enables one to alternate the configuration of the rigidity elements. For example, a user may add or remove the entire horizontal or vertical member 100 and 90, respectively. A user may alternatively add additional rigidity elements, which may appear at offshoots or branches, at any point throughout the support structure 10, and in general permits the user to alternate the appearance and function of the athletic training device as embodied by the support structure 10. The rigidity elements 40 may be of different thickness 48 (FIG. 6B). However, to make rigidity elements 40 of various thicknesses compatible with each other and interchangeable, the thickness of the connection joints 44 should preferably remain the same. Thus, it may cause the span section 41 and the connection joints 44 to be of different thickness. Alternatively, the thickness of the rigidity elements 40 would be uniform throughout. Therefore, introduction of a component having a different thickness 48 would require an adapter connector to integrate such a component into the existing support structure 10

The resealable outlet 50 contains a cap 51, or may contain a spout with a valve (not shown), to admit, and in some cases expel, the filling material 60 (FIG. 6A). The cap 51 and the resealable outlet 50 preferably form an air tight and water tight seal when coupled together. Similarly, the other rigidity elements 40 form an air tight and water tight seal with each other. The connection joints 44 may be have a smooth surface or may contain a thread, snaps or other types of frictional elements that would retain a span 41 connected to a connector 42 or to another span 41. Connections need to be sufficiently strong to endure the stresses of pull and push forces that the intended set of exercises will exert on the support structure 10. The joint section 44 may additionally contain a pliable rubber, resinous surface or contain a gasket, thus enhancing a tight seal between components.

In embodiments where the rigidity elements 40 are hollow, the connection joints 44 join with other rigidity elements in a hermetic seal that does not allow any filling material 60 to leak out of the support structure 10. As can be appreciated from FIG. 5 the support structure 10 can be assembled in into countless different configurations. The rigidity elements 40 may be hollow or solid, with both types of rigidity elements 40 implemented within the same support structure 10.

As shown in the FIG. 5, any of the plurality of rigidity elements 41 can be replaced by other rigidity elements which may be thinner, shorter, longer or lighter, or which are bent at a different angle, which are more elliptical and not angular. It is preferred that the present invention contain at least two vertical members 90, linked together by at least one horizontal member 100. This represents the basic configuration that provides the required handle locations and structural integrity. In the preferred embodiment, the rigidity elements 40 that function as vertical members 90 are at an angle 160, preferably a 90 degree angle, with rigidity elements 40 that make up horizontal member 100. Any of the rigidity elements 40 have a dual function of being both a handle for holding the device 10, and as force bearing structural elements. The front side 20 and the back side 30 are relative points of reference and is determined by how the support structure 10 is held. The front side 20 is preferably the side opposite to the user who is holding the device as shown in FIG. 8, while the back side 30 preferably faces the user who is holding the support structure 30.

The support structure 10 may be manufactured from any material, including but not limited to steel, metal alloy, wood, plastic, polymeric or resinous compound, stone or ivory. The rigidity elements 40 may be completely rigid or may provide some flexibility. The support structure 10 is shown as being on one straight plane that is parallel to the horizontal member 100. Meaning that all spans 41 on the horizontal member 100 are connected in a straight line between L-connectors 42C. The structural member 20 may also form a substantially concave or convex shape with respect the front side 20.

FIG. 6A shows a cross section of the present invention. Also visible in the present invention is the circulation of the filling material 60 throughout the rigidity elements 40 as indicated by arrows 56. The present invention is not limited to any particular type of filling material 60. The filling material 60 may be, but is not limited to sand or any other powdered substance, water or some other liquid substance. The weight of the device may also be varied with solid rigidity elements (not shown) that are uniformly made of a material that is either the same or different chemical composition or physical state as the outer wall 49 of the rigidity element 40. Weight can then be varied by removing rigidity elements 40 of one weight and replacing them with rigidity elements 40 of a different weight. Similarly, the size and thickness of the support structure 10 can be varied by replacing rigidity elements 40 with those that are shorter or have a thinner diameter or thickness 48.

The filling material 60 is introduced through the resealable outlet 50 and circulates throughout the hollow rigidity elements 40 until reaching the desired water level 61, which is determined at the user's discretion. The filling material 60 may be expelled using the same resealable outlet 50 or through a separate exit opening (not shown) which may contain a toggle valve that can regulate the minutest passage of the filling material 60.

The support structure 10 can be assembled as a closed system as shown, with only the resealable outlet 50 or an additional exit valve serving as opening into the system. Alternatively, the support structure 10 may have rigidity elements that appear as offshoots or branches. These will then have terminal connectors (not shown) or such a rigidity element 40 may itself be solid or contain a terminal end. The sidewall 49 may be made out of reinforced material, such as reinforced carbon fiber, steel or PVC pipe to withstand inward and oblique pressures exerted on individual rigidity elements 40 without bending, crumping or buckling.

Still referring to FIG. 6A, the extra weight trains one's posture and balance and tones or conditions upper body muscles. Therefore, by changing the weight to size ratio of the present invention, or just by altering the weight for the purpose of making the support structure 10 heavier or lighter, one can adjust the exercise application or the targeted muscle group. The filling material 60 is shown filling the interior cavity 45 up to the fill line 61. The arrows 56, show the direction in which the filling material would flow until the support structure 10 is completely filled. The preferred filling material 60 is water or some other non-corrosive liquid. Sand may also be used. However, when filling the support structure 10 with sand, one will need to tilt and rotate the support structure to ensure proper distribution of sand throughout the interior cavity 45. Alternatively, when using sand, it may be easier to remove the top horizontal element 100T, thereby exposing interior cavity of the vertical elements 90.

FIG. 6B is a top view of the present invention showing the interior cavity 45, the sidewall 49, the spans 41 and connectors 42. It also clearly demonstrates the width 47. The preferred dimensions of the device embodied in the present invention may be between ten inches and three feet in height 46 (FIG. 1), between ten inches and five feet in length 47, and between one and three inches in the width or thickness 48 of the spans 41. The rigidity elements 40 are shown as substantially tubular or cylindrical. This is the preferred shape since any of the rigidity elements 40 also function as handles for holding the support structure 10. The rounded sidewall 49 (FIG. 6B) offers greater comfort for the natural curvature of a clinched human fist. Alternatively, spans 41 can be made as cuboid bars or in any other shape. The sidewall 49 of the spans 41 or the connectors 42 may additionally contain a coating or finish having a high friction coefficient for gripping bear handed or with a gloved hand.

FIGS. 6C-6E demonstrate the present invention having a unitary or one-piece structure without spans and connectors. Such support structure may be manufactured from a mold, or stamped out of a single piece of material. It may also be created by fusing, riveting or gluing two or more individual sections to form a one-piece support structure 10. The one-piece support structure 10 is shown having the preferred form of two vertical members 91 on the sides of the perimeter, with two additional vertical members 92 on the interior of the device. As will be demonstrated in later figures, the interior vertical members 92 are generally grabbed by one user, whereas exterior vertical members 91 are held by the other standing opposite the first user. The distance 94 between the vertical members 91 and 92 is between six inches and one foot.

FIG. 6D shows another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the support structure 10 if formed from two parallel horizontal members 100 and two vertical exterior members 91. A corner 52 contains resealable outlet 50 with a cap 51. The two internal horizontal members 92 are attached to the two horizontal members 100 with rings 93. The rings 93 are movably coupled with the horizontal members 100 may move laterally along the two horizontal members 100 and are thus capable of varying the distance 94 between the vertical members 90.

FIG. 6C demonstrates the internal hollow space 45 and the sidewall 49. The thickness of the sidewall 49 may depend on the tensile strength or fragility of the material used to make the sidewalls 49 support structure 10. The preferred thickness in such case would be one that keeps the weight to a minimum without compromising the durability of the device.

FIG. 7 shows a present invention having a hand protector 120. The device shown in FIG. 7 is intended for use as a resistance device for training proper charging technique of American Football, which is known internationally as Rugby, where a large portion of the game is focused on an effective offensive line blocking of the defensive team and on the counteraction of this blocking effort by the offensive team. An ideal device is one that is able to simulate a pushing and shoving contest created by two opposing players. The present invention further accomplishes this purpose with the addition of the hand protector 120. Shown besides the hand protector 120 is the sidewall 121, the back side 30, and the front side 20, the front portion of the hand protector 123, the rigid elements 40, the spans 41 and the connectors 42, and the restriction gaskets 122. The interior space 124 may be filled with additional rigidity elements to regulate the resilience or softness of the front surface 123. It may also be left hollow or open. The pushing and shoving that simulates the typical physical engagement of Football and Rugby, and invariably creates a great deal of lateral force on the hand protector 120. Therefore, the restriction gaskets 122, prevent the hand protector from sliding off of the horizontal elements 100 during such exercises. In a simpler embodiment, the hand protector 120 would form a loop around the support structure 10 and would have the ability to slide on and off the horizontal elements 100.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, one user would exert pressure onto the front surface 123. A person facilitating the charging exercise by holding the device 10 would stand facing the back side 30 and holding the rigid elements 40. The horizontal elements 100 emanating from either side 121 of the hand protector bend back in the direction of the back side 30 of this support structure 10. In an embodiments where the rigidity elements 40 can be disassembled and put back to together, the bending back of the horizontal elements 100 can be achieved by adding an L connector 42C which points towards the back side 30. This orientation of the holding area maximizes the effort of the one holding the support structure 10, because in this position, the hands of a user are directly in front of his or her torso which maximizes the resistance force At the same time, there is sufficient distance between the hands to still ensure a balanced posture. Thus, the holder is able to significantly eliminate the wiggling and shifting of the support structure 10 that is subjected to the pressures against the front surface 123. However, since the device is being secured by human hands and not by metal bars anchored within a heavy base or inside the ground, the device can be forced out of position with sufficient force, which is more akin to an actual game situation. The padded texture of the hand protector 120 also removes reservation and fear from a potential trainee athlete from charging the device with his or her full force, since the padding 120 largely eliminates the likelihood of an injury. The hand protector can be in the form of a sleeve that slides over an existing support structure 10, thus widening the scope of application of the present invention, since it can alternate between a blocking training device and as a hand training and balance device. The hand protector 120 can also be mounted on either the front or the back sides 20 and 30, respectively. The hand protector 120 provides ample space for a team logo, or a promotional advertisement on the front surface 123. The rigidity members 40 may also be suitable to contain promotional messages or team colors.

FIGS. 8 and 9 demonstrate the application of the device as a football or rugby trainer. As shown in FIG. 8, the support structure 10 is held by two users that are facing each other and who are exerting a shoving force against the device 10 and each other. One skilled in the art of this particular training realizes, and as is apparent from the figure itself, that the hand position on the support structure 10 closely resembles the hand position of athletes who are locked in a similar maneuver during an actual game. The benefit of using the support structure 10 is that the participants need not have to don protective gear in order to train in an offensive line faceoff. Additionally such a device allows one to gain useful strength and confrontational skills without resorting to actual physical contact, thus minimizing a threat of an injury or wrinkling or tearing of clothes.

FIG. 9 shows an athlete simulating another offensive line experience. The player has assumed the position immediately before the ball is set in motion, or “snapped”. In such a posture the player is most vulnerable to false or premature starts which would incur penalties in live game settings. However, during training the device 10 guides the athlete in hand positioning conducive to greatest balance and focus, at the same time drills the athlete in practicing proper patience before a snap.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate the various strength building rehabilitative techniques that are particularly well served when combined with the present invention. In step 200, a user takes hold of the device as described in FIGS. 1-9. The user then partially extends his or her arms forward and away from the torso in step 210. With hands extended in this manner, the user grasps one holding area and another holding area parallel to the first holding area. While not required, it is preferable that the hands should be on the same level with each other. This step requires that the arms are maintained in a partially extended position. The user then begins performing a series of shoulder and torso exercises with this arms and hands substantially locked in place on the holding areas in step 220. In step 230 (FIG. 11) the user lowers the partially extended arms, while keeping hands substantially locked in place on the holding areas until said support structure comes to rest on the user's hips.

The pace of these exercises is dictated by their purpose, the weight of device 10 and the conditioning level of the participating user. Once the user has lowered the device 10, he or she begins the next series of steps. The extent of those steps points to a gradual intensification and progress that is a highly desired goal of these exercises. In step 240, the user raises the device 10 up to the chest level. The user may repeat steps 230 and 240 as often as desired or as prescribed. To slightly increase difficulty, the user raises the device from the knees to the shoulder level in step 250, while keeping arms partially extended and locked in place on the support structure 10. If this level of difficulty is undesired, the user may proceed to alternate between steps 230 to 250. It may actually be more difficult to oscillate between steps 240 and 250 for some time, as the lowering of the arms to the chest level and back again to the shoulder level places the arms in a constant level of strain caused by the weight of the support structure 10. Similarly, the user can raise the device 10 above his or her head in step 260, while keeping arms partially extended and locked in place on the support structure. It is understood that a particular exercise may require oscillation in any combination of steps. For example, from 230 to 260 and back, or from 260 to 240 and back, etc.

The user may further adjust the level of difficulty by varying the weight or configuration of the support structure 10 in step 280. The step 280 may be done in conjunction with any of the steps described in the method that is embodied by the present invention. The weight, as was described in FIGS. 5 and 6A is adjusted by adding a filling material 60 into the support structure 10.

So far the steps 200-260 focused on the lifting and lowering exercises to tone arm and rotator muscles. Steps 270 and 290 also include dorsal and leg muscles in the exercises. In step 270 the user may be lifting the device 10 up and down variably between steps 230 and 260, and may then introduce further motions by revolving the device 10 about his or her torso in step 270. This rotation may or may not also involve the leg muscles in step 290. While executing both steps 270 and 290 it is preferred to have legs spread apart and substantially parallel to each other to achieve stability. Proper leg position is especially desired if further weight is added to the device 10 in step 280.

The device 10 is also particularly useful for stretching exercises. In FIG. 12A, the user is stretching upper leg and back muscles by placing his or her feet onto or into the holding area on the first end of the device 10 in step 290. The first end is synonymous with one of the external vertical elements 91 (FIG. 6D). Then the same user will take a firm hold of the opposite external vertical member 91 (FIG. 6D) with one hand. Using a free hand the user will then grasp one of the internal vertical members 92. The object is to alternate hands and vertical members in gradual drive towards the external member 91 that contains the user's feet. In this manner, the user is able to touch his or her toes in a gradual manner, by pulling his or her torso downwards.

FIG. 12A describes a scenario where the user is upright and the device is standing in front of the user, with one of the exterior vertical elements 91 resting on a support surface, such as the ground or floor. The user then inserts the feet onto this vertical element 91, while continuing to hold the device 10 in a standing, upright position.

In FIG. 12B, step 310 describes a condition where the user has placed the device 10 flat down on the ground. Either the exterior vertical member 91 or one of the horizontal members 100 is near the user's toes, but the users feet are not on the device. Thus far, the user is standing upright, with the device being in front and flat on the ground. Now in step 320, the user bends and takes hold of a rigidity member 40 that is either the closest or the farthest away from the toes. Then in a stagnated fashion, the user moves his or her hands to a neighboring rigidity member 40, and then to the next one, until, depending on whether the user initially took hold of the closest or the farthest rigidity member 40, the user reaches either the furthest or the closest rigidity member respectively. The user may repeat the maneuver as many times as desired moving back and forth from one end of the device 10 to the other end while bent over and keeping feet in the initial position.

Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed:
 1. An athletic training device comprising; a support structure having a front side and a back side; said support structure being comprised of at least one horizontal member and at least two vertical members; and wherein said at least one horizontal member and said vertical members are assembled from a plurality of removably fitting rigidity elements.
 2. The athletic training device of claim 1; wherein at least one element of said plurality of rigidity elements is substantially hollow.
 3. The athletic training device of claim 2; further comprising a resealable outlet for filling said support structure with a filling material.
 4. The athletic training device of claim 3; wherein said filling material is powdered substrate.
 5. The athletic training device of claim 3; wherein said filling material is liquid; and wherein said rigidity elements are in a hermetic engagement with each other.
 6. The athletic training device of claim 3; further comprising a drain outlet.
 7. The athletic training device of claim 1; wherein said plurality of rigidity elements are replaceable by a plurality of rigidity elements of a differing weight or size.
 8. The athletic training device of claim 3; wherein said rigidity elements may be assembled to form a plurality of configurations; and wherein said support structure can be changed by replacing at least one of the rigidity elements of one size with at least one rigidity element of another size.
 9. The athletic training device of claim 1; further comprising a hand protector; said hand protector removably mated with said support structure.
 10. The athletic training device of claim 3; further comprising a hand protector; said hand protector removably mated with said support structure.
 11. The athletic training device of claim 3; wherein said plurality of rigidity elements are connected to each other with connection means comprising at least one of the following, resistance connection, snap-in joint, male-female combination, or a threaded connection.
 12. The athletic training device of claim 1; wherein said support structure is convex with respect said first side or said second side and concave with respect to said second side or said first side respectively.
 13. An athletic training device comprising; a support structure having a front side and a back side; said support structure having at least one horizontal member connecting at an angle to at least two vertical members; and wherein said horizontal member and said vertical members are substantially in perpendicular orientation to each other; and wherein said at least one horizontal member or one of said at least two vertical members is substantially hollow.
 14. The athletic training device of claim 13, further comprising a resealable outlet, said resealable outlet disposed on said support structure for filling said at least one horizontal and said vertical members with filling material.
 15. The athletic training device of claim 14, wherein said filling material is a powder.
 16. The athletic training device of claim 14, wherein said filling material is a liquid substance.
 17. The athletic training device of claim 13, further comprising additional vertical members being movably coupled with said at least one horizontal member; and wherein said vertical members are capable of lateral adjustment along said at least one horizontal member.
 18. The athletic training device of claim 13, wherein said vertical members and said at least one horizontal member are removably mated to each other.
 19. The athletic training device of claim 14, wherein said vertical members and said at least one horizontal member is further comprised of a plurality of rigidity elements.
 20. The athletic training device of claim 19, wherein said rigidity elements are hermetically mated to each other.
 21. The athletic training device of claim 20, wherein said plurality of rigidity elements are capable of being assembled to form a support structure of various geometric or linear shapes; wherein said at least one of said rigidity elements may be replaced by at least one other rigidity element of different size or weight.
 22. A method of muscle training and rehabilitation comprising the steps of; providing a support structure having a front side and a back side; said support structure comprised of a plurality of removably fitting rigidity elements; wherein said rigidity elements form a lattice of at least two vertical elements held together at an angle by at least one horizontal element; wherein said rigidity elements having a plurality of holding areas; a user partially extending arms forward and away from torso; said user grasping said one holding area and said another holding area parallel to the first grasped with said partially extended arms; said user lowering said partially extended arms, while keeping hands substantially locked in place on said holding areas until said support structure comes to rest on the user's hips; while keeping arms partially extended and locked in place on said support structure raising said support structure to a level even with said user's chest; while keeping arms partially extended and locked in place on said support structure raising said support structure to a level even with said user's shoulders; while keeping arms partially extended and locked in place on said support structure raising said support structure to a level above said user's head; continuing to raise and lower said support structure the desired number of times; and adjusting the degree of difficulty by varying the weight of said support structure.
 23. The method of muscle training and rehabilitation of claim 22, further comprising the steps of: placing said user's legs substantially parallel to each other and keeping said legs firmly in place; keeping arms partially extended and locked in place on said support structure at a desired level in front of said user's torso; rotating said support structure from left to right and from right to left in substantially semicircular motions using a combination of muscles of the torso in front of said torso while keeping the position and level of the arms constant; rotating said support structure from left to right and from right to left in substantially semicircular motions using a combination of muscles of the leg in front of said torso while keeping the position and level of the arms constant; and adjusting the degree of difficulty by varying the weight of said support structure. 